Starting tomorrow, Saturday, December 14, the new Highway Code will officially come into effect, bringing with it significant changes for road safety. Among the main provisions, there is an increase in penalties for those using mobile phones while driving, with fines ranging from €250 to €1,000 and license suspensions of up to three months in case of repeat offenses. The new rules also introduce specific measures for scooters, which must be equipped with license plates and helmets, while motorists are required to maintain a minimum distance of one and a half meters when overtaking cyclists.
Furthermore, the new code imposes severe penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A blood alcohol concentration between 0.5 and 0.8 g/l results in fines ranging from €573 to €2,170, along with license suspensions from three to six months. For new drivers, a zero blood alcohol limit is enforced for the first three years. Finally, abandoning animals on the road may lead to license suspension of up to one year and significant criminal penalties if the act results in fatal accidents or injuries.
